Abstract

The disclosure provides a method of regulating fatty acid or glucose metabolism in a cell by contacting the cell with a modulator of miR-208a and/or miR-208b activity or expression. The disclosure also provides a method of treating or preventing a metabolic disorder, such as obesity, diabetes, or metabolic syndrome, in a subject by administering to the subject an inhibitor of miR-208a and/or miR-208b activity or expression. Also provided is a method of enhancing or improving mitochondrial function and/or redox-homeostasis in a subject by administering to the subject an inhibitor of miR-208a and/or miR-208b activity or expression.